Book Review: The Highland Hens by Judy Leigh

I am very excited to be welcoming Judy Leigh back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, The Highland Hens.

In the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother’s musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks.

But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by.

Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn’t long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart.

When Mimi and Jess’s paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women’s lives.  And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities.

Take a trip to the Highlands with Judy Leigh for an unforgettable story of glorious pasts and fabulous futures, of love, friendship, family and fun. 

*****

Jess has come to Scotland for a holiday and has instantly fallen in love. When circumstances mean she can’t immediately return to her home, she replies to an ad for a companion to an elderly lady. She has a few months before she can return home. Why not?

It’s here she meets Mimi. As the women become close, Jess starts to see life in a new way and when she meets Mimi’s three sons, maybe love won’t be too far behind?

I am a big fan of Judy Leigh’s novels having previously read and enjoyed A Year of Mr Maybes and Lil’s Bus trip. Therefore, I was excited to be invited onto the blog tour for her latest novel, The Highland Hens.

I visited Scotland a few times as a child (I’d really love to go back,) so I adored the setting for this novel. I could picture myself standing at Mimi’s window looking out at the beautiful scenery of Loch Ness.

It’s not hard to fall in love with the ladies in this novel.

Jess is the gentle force, the calm influence and I loved that. She is a stark contrast to Mimi who, in her youth, was a singer and a dancer and in her heart she always will be. Mimi, along with her friend Isabella, are loud. The trio just click and I loved them together.

Mimi is fabulous and if I am lucky enough to make it to my 80’s, if I have half the energy this character has, I will be happy. Mimi knows her own mind, what she loves and even though her sons want her to calm down, she never stops doing her thing. It was lovely to see her character development once Jess arrived. It wasn’t right to see this character so lonely.

The men are a little more reserved to start with. The three brothers are all very different. Angus and Fin are a little quiet and mysterious, hard to get to know. I felt a little sorry for Fin. He got lumbered with the role of ‘serious brother,’ and I wanted him to have fun. Hamish was wonderful and Angus… oh Angus, you’ve been hurt haven’t you! He’s misunderstood and not used to having to sit still.

I feel the plot moved well. It focuses on the characters as they try to navigate life and I love that Judy Leigh’s novels have characters that are 50+.

As with her other novels, the writing style is effortless and it wasn’t long before I became very invested in these characters and their story.

There is always such a positive, optimistic feel to Judy Leigh’s novels and this one is no exception. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment I was smiling, the next I was heart-broken.

The Highland Hens is wonderful. It is full of warmth and has bundles of charm. If you’re looking for a novel that lifts your mood, this is perfect. It reminds you that it’s never too late and that family, friends and love are what matter as well as never letting go of the things that make you happy.

About Judy Leigh:

Judy Leigh is the USA Today bestselling author of The Old Girls’ Network and Five French Hens and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction.

She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

The Highland Hens was released by Boldwood Books on 4th August 2022. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones.

Say hello to Judy via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter.

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Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.